Discover the ultimate comfort food that will delight your family and friends – the Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety sauce. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new household favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Comforting and family-friendly one-pan meal
- Affordable and easy to prepare in under an hour
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with various add-ins
- Perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions
- Combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety sauce
Why This Classic Comfort Food Deserves a Place at Your Table
The creamy chicken and rice casserole is a beloved dish that has won hearts for generations. It comes from the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine. This casserole is special because it uses simple, yet delicious ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Origins of the Recipe
This dish has its roots in the American South’s rich culinary traditions. Passed down through families, it’s a staple for decades. It shows the South’s love for hearty, homestyle dishes. Now, it’s loved across the country, bringing back memories of simpler times.
What Makes It Special
The creamy chicken and rice casserole is special because of its flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice create a perfect mix. Ingredients like Lipton Onion soup mix add a rich, savory taste, making it a delight for the senses.
Family-Friendly Appeal
This dish is loved by all, even the pickiest eaters. It’s a family-friendly choice that suits many tastes. Its simple flavors and hearty nature make it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Nutrition Information (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30-35 minutes |
|
The creamy chicken and rice casserole is a must-have in your recipe collection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will delight your family and friends. Enjoy this old-fashioned comfort food classic.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results
To make a delicious Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole, you need the right ingredients. At its core are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. The dish is built on a mix of creamy soups: cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom. These soups add a rich, velvety texture.
Instant white rice is the best choice for this dish. It cooks up fluffy and soaks up the sauce well. A bit of seasoning, like salt, pepper, and maybe garlic or onion powder, enhances the taste. A pat of butter adds a luxurious touch.
Some recipes suggest adding milk for extra creaminess. The use of multiple cream soups is key. It gives the dish a deep flavor and silky texture, making it a favorite comfort food.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cubed) | 1 pound (453.6 grams) |
| Instant White Rice | 1 1/2 cups (318 grams) |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (10.75 ounces or 298 grams) |
| Cream of Celery Soup | 1 can (10.75 ounces or 298 grams) |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 can (10.75 ounces or 298 grams) |
| Chicken Broth | 3 cups (680.3 grams or 709.8 ml) |
| Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) | To taste |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk (optional) | 1 cup |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole. It’s sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your craving for a homemade comfort meal.
Equipment and Preparation Requirements
To make the perfect Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole, you need a few key tools and some prep work. The baking dish and oven temperature are crucial for the right texture and taste.
Required Kitchen Tools
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil for covering the dish
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears for cutting the chicken
Prep Time and Planning
Preparing this casserole is easy, taking only 10-15 minutes of actual work. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you’re in a hurry.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
The casserole bakes at 350°F (175°C) for about 90 minutes. Some recipes say to raise the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15-20 minutes. This helps get the top crispy and golden.
With the right tools, some planning, and following the temperature and timing, you’ll make a delicious Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight
Try our Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight for a treat. It has tender chicken in a creamy rice mix. The cream soups make a velvety sauce that covers every bit of fluffy rice and chicken. This makes the dish both comforting and rich.
This casserole is not just tasty, but also nutritious. It has 456kcal per serving. You get 24g of carbs, 42g of protein, and 20g of fat. It also has 132mg of cholesterol and 1723mg of sodium.
To make it even better, add your favorite veggies like broccoli or carrots. Don’t overcook the chicken when you first sear it. Let the oven finish cooking it for the best tender chicken texture.
“This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, with 663 shares on Facebook and a serving size that feeds 5-6 people. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy weeknights.”
This casserole is worth the 55-60 minutes it takes to bake. It needs 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 2 boneless chicken breasts. You’ll also need 2 cups of shredded cheese, 2 packets of Knorr chicken flavored rice, and 1 chopped onion. Don’t forget spices like paprika and garlic powder. Adding cubed butter and cream cheese makes it even creamier.
Looking for a comforting meal or something to impress guests? Our Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is perfect. It offers a great mix of tender chicken and fluffy rice in every bite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the classic Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is easy. This one-pan meal has tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy soups. It’s a comforting dish that everyone will love.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, mix cooked rice, water, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well combined.
- Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders on top of the rice. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Drizzle melted butter over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly spread.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 90 minutes. Stir every 30 minutes for even cooking.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This will make the top lightly browned and the chicken cooked.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.
This easy recipe and one-pan method make a delicious Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight every time. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders | 1.5 lbs |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Paprika | to taste |
| Melted butter | 4 tablespoons |
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Delight is a wonderful one-pan meal. It’s easy to make and full of comfort. Follow these simple steps for a delicious dinner any night.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
Making a delicious creamy chicken and rice casserole needs careful attention. It’s all about getting the right texture. We’ll look at how to cook the rice just right and balance the moisture. This will make your dish tender, moist, and creamy, making your taste buds happy.
Rice Cooking Techniques
For tender rice, use the right amount of water and don’t stir too much. Use 500 ml of water for 300 grams of uncooked jasmine rice. Cook it for about 18 minutes under low simmer, then rest for 5-10 minutes.
Moisture Balance Tips
- To keep the chicken and casserole moist and creamy, cover it most of the cooking time.
- If you add extra veggies, adjust the liquid to keep the balance right.
Achieving the Perfect Creaminess
Getting the creamy consistency right is crucial for a great creamy chicken and rice casserole. Use the right amount of cream soups and butter. Some people add shredded cheese for extra richness.
“The secret to a truly indulgent creamy chicken and rice casserole is the perfect mix of ingredients and cooking methods. With a bit of focus, you can make a dish that everyone will love and want more of.”
Creative Variations and Add-ins
The classic Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole can be customized to fit your taste and dietary needs. Get creative by adding recipe variations, vegetable additions, and cheese toppings. This will make the dish even more comforting.
For a richer taste, try adding sautéed portabella mushrooms or steamed broccoli florets. The mushrooms and broccoli add a nice contrast to the creamy base.
- Use a wild rice blend for a better texture, about 1.5 cups.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese for a cheesy top.
- Top with 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs for crunch and texture.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan cheeses. Try different herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion flakes, or paprika. This will give you unique flavors that you’ll love.
One-pan meals, like this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole, are popular for their ease and efficiency. Using organic, free-range chicken breasts will make the dish even more delicious.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Portabella Mushrooms | 10 ounces |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, finely shredded |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 3/4 cup |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying the Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole again is easy. Just follow the right storage and reheating steps. This way, you can enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.
Proper Storage Methods
Leftover Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to keep flavors and texture intact. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Use an aluminum pan, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing the casserole is a smart move for enjoying it later. Cover it with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. This keeps it from getting freezer burn and keeps the taste and texture good. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Reheating Practices
Reheating your leftover casserole is simple. The oven is the best way to reheat it gently. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes, until it’s 165°F (74°C) inside. For a quicker option, the microwave works too. Just add water and reheat in 2-5 minute intervals, checking the temperature often.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this creamy chicken and rice casserole?
The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes. You’ll also need instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, and cream of celery soup. Cream of mushroom soup, water, salt, pepper, and butter are also key. Some recipes add milk for extra creaminess.
What makes this casserole a classic comfort food dish?
This casserole comes from Southern cooking traditions. It’s creamy, comforting, and loved by all, making it great for families.
What equipment is needed to prepare this casserole?
You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish, aluminum foil, and a sharp knife or kitchen shears for cutting chicken.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this casserole?
Prep time is quick, about 10-15 minutes. It bakes at 350°F (175°C) for about 90 minutes, with stirring. For a browned top, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How can the casserole be customized with add-ins and variations?
Add veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor. Shredded cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese can also enhance taste. Use rotisserie chicken for ease, and try different herbs and spices for unique flavors.
How should the casserole be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze in an aluminum pan, covered with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Add water to maintain moisture and heat to 165°F (74°C).